On a foggy morning, Lake Hawassa’s waters are clouded with trash—plastic bags, bottles, and even discarded shoes float among tangled weeds. The lake’s shoreline is littered with branches, wood scraps, and city waste, affecting the livelihood of traditional fishermen who navigate their boats through polluted waters.
“I remember when the lake was crystal clear and full of fish,” says Daniel Bula, a 20-year resident. “Now it’s painful to see the decline. Waste from towns and industries and runoff from the highlands end up here.”
A fishing boat on the polluted Lake Hawassa reflects the urgent need for restoration efforts. Photo: The Niles / Solomon Yimer
Bula’s concerns are shared by many residents who depend on the lake. Lake Hawassa, located in Ethiopia’s Rift Valley, supports biodiversity and local livelihoods through farming, fishing, tourism, and industry. But rapid population growth and climate change now threaten this vital resource.
Formed in 2018, the “Protecting Lake Hawassa Partnership” unites private, public, and civil groups. Supported by GIZ’s Natural Resources Stewardship Programme, the partnership works on reforestation, waste management, and community engagement. Each team addresses critical issues to safeguard the lake’s ecosystem and promote sustainable development.
A boy swims in Lake Hawassa’s polluted waters despite health risks from untreated wastewater. Photo: The Niles / Solomon Yimer
The lake is home to fish, birds, and animals like hippos and monkeys, providing 85% of local fisheries’ catch. However, siltation and pollution disrupt habitats, threatening both aquatic life and the livelihoods of fishers like Lucas Ganche, chairman of the Lake Hawassa Fishing Association. “Yearly declines in fish populations due to silting and waste make it difficult for fishermen to earn a living.”
Lake Hawassa lies in a growing urban area, capturing untreated stormwater, industrial waste, and household runoff from the city, with no outlet for these pollutants. Soil erosion from deforestation in the uplands carries sediment into the lake, altering its boundaries and degrading water quality.
Ecohydrological structures in Boricha Village work to curb erosion and protect Lake Hawassa’s health. Photo: The Niles / Solomon Yimer
Dr. Mulugeta Dadi Belete from Hawassa University leads the Afforestation and Soil Erosion Task Force. Using ecohydrological methods, Dr. Mulugeta and his team prevent sediment from reaching the lake by building wood, bamboo, and plastic barriers to manage water flow and control erosion. “Our approach has stopped erosion, retaining 350,000 cubic meters of soil in 18 months,” he explains.
The project’s success depends on community involvement, and locals have embraced tree planting and soil conservation practices, seeing visible improvements in land and lake health.
The Hawassa Wubet Plastic Collection and Recycling Association, another project partner, tackles plastic waste in Lake Hawassa. Operating across 11 towns, the association collects 5.2 tons of plastic daily for recycling, creating jobs and reducing pollution.
The Hawassa Wubet Association’s recycling efforts visibly reduce plastic waste and restore pride in Lake Hawassa. Photo: The Niles / Solomon Yimer
“Lake Hawassa is our pride,” says Henock Dangoto, the association’s chairman. “By raising awareness and recycling, we protect the lake and offer jobs to local youth and women.” The initiative supports around 1,500 collectors and has created over 85 permanent jobs, with plans to expand operations by acquiring recycling machines.
In Boricha Village, 56-year-old Nigussie Dongato recalls a time when lush forests and fertile soil yielded bountiful crops. With population growth and deforestation, the land’s productivity dwindled. However, conservation efforts bring new hope. “We can see the land changing, with grass and shrubs growing back,” he observes.
Women planting trees around Lake Hawassa bring renewed life to the upper catchment. Photo: The Niles / Solomon Yimer
The return of vegetation and healthier fields is a positive sign, but residents wonder if these efforts can keep pace with the lake’s ongoing challenges. With community-led initiatives like tree planting, recycling, and soil conservation, the people of Hawassa strive to secure a sustainable future for their lake and livelihoods.
